Key Takeaways:
- Windows offers two built-in options for screen recording: Snipping Tool and Game Bar.
- In addition to native toolsthird-party options like Riverside and browser extensions like Loom also make screen recording accessible for a variety of tasks.
Have you needed to show someone exactly what’s happening on your screen but found yourself fumbling with screenshots or trying to explain step-by-step over a call?
It’s frustrating and inefficientespecially when you’re working on a projecttroubleshooting an issueor delivering a tutorial. This is where screen recording comes in handy. And there are lots of great tools for doing this quickly and easily on Windows.
Read on to discover clearexactly how to screen in Windows 10 and 11.
How to screen record on Windows 10 and 11
Screen recording on Windows 11 is simple with built-in tools like the Snipping Tool and Xbox Game Barwhich work just as smoothly on Windows 10. But if you prefer recording onlineor want more flexibility then tools like Riverside function the same on both versions.
Let’s run through how to use each one.
How to screen record on Windows with the Snipping tool
The Snipping Tool has been a long-time favorite for capturing screenshotsbut in Windows 11it got a major upgrade: it can now record video. This built-in tool is perfect for quickno-fuss screen recordingslike quick demostutorialsor troubleshooting.
Here’s how to record your Windows 11 screen using the Snipping Tool:
Step 1: Search for the “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu and click to open it. If you're using an older version of Windows 11ensure your app is updated through the Microsoft Store to access the recording button. To do thisopen the Microsoft Storesearch for “Snipping Tool,” and click “Update” if an update is available.
Step 2: In the top toolbar of the Snipping Toolyou’ll notice a video camera icon. Click this icon to switch to screen recording mode.
Step 3: Click “New” on the top menu bar. Your screen will dim slightlyallowing you to select the area you want to record.
Step 4: To record part of your screenuse your mouse to draw a rectangle around the area you'd like to capture. This is helpful when you want to focus on a specific window or section of your desktop.
If you'd prefer to record the entire screensimply drag the rectangle across the full screen area.
Step 5: Once you’ve selected your recording areaclick “Start.” The Snipping Tool will give you a 3-second countdown before the recording beginsrecording everything that happens within the selected area.
Step 6: When you’ve finished your sessionclick “Stop recording” in the toolbar. A preview of your video will openallowing you to review the footage.
Step 7: Click “Save,” choose your file locationand save the recording as an MP4 file.
How to screen record with Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in Windows 10 and 11 feature primarily designed for gamingbut it’s also handy for recording your screen. Whether you're capturing gameplaytutorialsor app walkthroughsit's a quick and simple tool that comes pre-installed.
Here’s how to screen capture with the Xbox Game Bar:
Step 1: Press “Windows + G” on your keyboard. This will bring up the Game Bar overlaywhich includes various tools like performance monitoring and capture options. Like this:
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Note: If the Game Bar doesn’t opengo to Settings > Gaming > Game Bar. Click on the toggle bar to enable.
Step 2: Once the Game Bar is openclick “Capture” (it looks like a camera). A small pop up will appear on your top left.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Windows + Alt + R” to start recording immediately.
If you want to record audio alongside the videomake sure to enable the microphone icon in this popup.
Step 3: Click the circle recording button to start recording your Windows screen.
Note: The application you want to record from must be open.
Before you startyou could also adjust your recording settings (like video quality) by accessing Settings in the Game Bar.
Under Game DVR settingsyou can change recording preferences such as video resolution and frame rate.
Step 4: When you’re doneclick “Stop” (a square inside a circle) on the Game Bar or use the Windows + Alt + R shortcut again. Your recorded video will be saved automatically.
Step 5: To locate your recordingopen the Game Bar and click “Gallery.” Ornavigate to This PC > Videos > Captureswhere your recording is saved in MP4 format.
How to screen record on Windows online
If you're looking for a reliable way to screen record onlineRiverside is an excellent option. This robust platform lets you capture high-quality video and audio directly from your browser without downloading any software.
We have a free online screen recorder where you can follow the promptsand easily capture your Windows screen. Butif you want to capture your screenaudioand video with separate tracks for each then it's better to record in our actual online software.
Here's how:
Step 1: Visit Riverside and create an account or log in if you already have one.
Step 2: Select which studio you want to record inor create a new one. You can do this by clicking on the studio button in the left paneland then selecting “+New studio”.
Once insideclick “Record” and follow the prompts to start a new recording session.
Step 3: In the studioclick “Share” > “Screen” from the sub-menu.
Step 4: From the displayed dialog boxselect the specific windowtabor application you want to record with Riverside. Click “Share.”
Note: To capture audio make sure you select “Also share tab audio”. You can only do this for Chrome tab shares.
Step 5: Hover your cursor over the “Record” icon and click “Start recording” to start the recording session.
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Step 6: Once you're doneclick “Stop.” The recording will be automatically uploaded to your Studio dashboard.
Step 7: After you click “Stop,” a popup will appear with a link to view your recording.
Click “View Recording” to access the file. You can download the recorded file in HDor use Riverside's advanced video editing toolkit to edit your Windows screen recordings.
Why choose Riverside over a built-in Windows recording app?
For startersyou’ll get sharpermore professional-looking videos compared to what’s typically possible with native tools. Plusyou can record directly from your webcamwhich makes it easy to capture yourself or others on video.
What's moreRiverside is perfect for group sessionseven if everyone’s in different places. And if you want to do more than just basic trimmingit gives you more control over editing your content.
If you’re creating a tutorial with screen recording then Riverside is worth it because you can:
- Get automatic AI transcriptions and summaries of your recordings.
- Download separate videoaudio and screen recording tracks.
- Customize your recordings with captionslayoutsbranding and more.
How to screen record on Windows with an extension
If you prefer to avoid standalone appsbrowser extensions offer a quick and easy way to screen record on Windows. Here are some popular options:
- Loom
- Scribe
- ClickUp
- ScreenPal
- Droplr
- Wistia Soapbox
For examplefollow these steps to record your screen with the Loom extension:
Step 1: Go to the Chrome Web Storesearch for "Loom," and click "Add to Chrome" to install the extension.
Step 2: Click the Loom icon in your browser toolbar and sign in or create an account.
Step 3: Click the Loom icon and select the recording area:
- "Full Screen"
- "Window"
- "Browser Tab"
- Camera only
You can also switch your mic and camera on and off as desired.
Step 4: Click "Start Recording" to begin capturing your screen.
Step 5: Use the Loom control panel to "Pause" or "Stop Recording." Click "Stop Recording" to finish.
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Step 6: Your recording will open in a new tab. Trim or annotate itthen share via a link or download as needed.
Record your Windows screen with confidence
Screen recording on a Windows PC is easy and accessiblethanks to built-in tools like the Snipping Tool and Xbox Game Bar. Each option has its own strengthsso pick the one that suits your needswhether it's for tutorialsgameplayor troubleshooting.
Once you're familiar with the toolsstart recording confidently. Experiment with different settings to find what works bestkeep your videos clear and focusedand always adjust your quality settings for the best results.
FAQs on how to screen record in Windows
Does Windows 10 allow screen recording?
YesWindows 10 comes with a built-in screen recorder called Xbox Game Bar and a Snipping Tool. Just press Windows + G to open the Game Barand click “Record” (or use Windows + Alt + R for a quick start/stop). Alternativelyyou can search for the Snipping Tool from the Start menu and start recording your screen.
What is the best free screen recording software for Windows?
There are several solidfree screen recording tools out thereeach with unique features depending on what you need. Some of the best screen recorders with facecam are:
- Riverside: Riverside is an online recording and editing studio that includes high-quality screen recording. . Its simple interface makes it ideal for presentations and webinars.
- OBS Studio: This open-source tool offers customizable recording and streaming with multiple scene setups and no time limits for full control.
- ShareX: Another open-source optionShareX supports various capture modes like full-screen and window recording. Its built-in editing tools make it great for creating tutorials.
How do I edit or trim screen recordings made on Windows?
Editing screen recordings made on Windows can be done easily using the built-in Photos app:
- Right-click the video and select “Open with Photos.”
- Click “Edit & Create” in the top-right cornerand choose options like “Trim” to cut parts of the video.
- Once editedclick “Save a copy” to save your trimmed video.
Can I schedule screen recordings on Windows?
No. Windows doesn't have a native feature for scheduling screen recordings.
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